Chivas USA appoints Jose Luis Sánchez Solá new head coach

CARSON, Calif. (Wednesday, December 12, 2012) – Jose Luis Sanchez Sola, also known in the soccer world as “El Chelis,” has been named Chivas USA’s new head coach, the club announced today. Sanchez Sola joins the Red-and-White organization with six years of head coaching experience in Mexico’s Liga MX.

“Very honored, very grateful and committed to fulfill the goals of the institution,” said Sanchez Sola. “I know that with the support of the staff currently in place, my transition into MLS will be that much easier. We are going to take on this new challenge with lots of energy and aspirations.”

"We are going to try to implement a more appealing style of soccer for our fans, without forgetting that we are a team that plays in the United States. We will look to appeal to both cultures while obtaining positive results for the club. I feel that Chivas USA, at some point, lost that flavor and technique with the ball that is emphasized in Mexico and Latin-America; we must re-establish that part and combine it with the MLS’ style of play.”

Sanchez Sola, 53, is originally from the Mexican state of Puebla, and is characterized by his intense and passionate approach to the game, as well as his talents as a motivator. Despite never playing professionally, Sanchez Sola acquired his professional coaching license in 1995 and three years later was serving as the head coach for Puebla FC’s youth academy.

“The arrival of Jose Luis Sanchez Sola marks the beginning of our organization’s new journey,” said Chivas USA President and CBO Jose David. “The owners of the club, Jorge Vergara and Angelica Fuentes, continue working toward giving Chivas USA fans the experience and results needed to have a successful team in MLS. ‘El Chelis’ is a great motivator; he knows the culture of Chivas and will be an important piece in re-establishing the identity of the organization.”

During the 2006-2007 seasons, Sanchez Sola served as head coach of Puebla FC, competing in Mexico’s Primera A (Second Division), and led the club to ascend to Mexico’s Primera Division. During his time as head coach of Puebla from 2006-2010, “El Chelis” led the Camoteros to a semifinal (Clausura 2009) and later to a quarter finals (Apertura 2009). In 2010, he led Puebla to Interliga, Superliga and Bicentenario tournaments.

After moving on from Puebla, Sanchez Sola served as head coach of Estudiantes de la UAG in the 2011 Clausura season, as well as Correcaminos UAT in 2012. The newly-appointed head coach of the Rojiblancos will take the reins of the squad immediately and will work with the rest of the coaching staff ahead of the MLS SuperDraft on Jan. 17 and 2013 MLS season.